Questions of Time, Chemistry, and Personalities

“I shall not commit the fashionable stupidity of regarding everything I cannot explain as a fraud.”

-- C.G. Jung (1875-1961), psychiatrist, psychoanalyst

For all bad leaders, envious and thief scientists, inventors, entrepreneurs, even musicians, is it true that the past was theirs, but the present and future is ours? Are we the ones who should change the world for a better place?

Each moment belongs to each of us. The past is done and the future may not be. All we have to work with is now. Each of us should have been using the moment to change the world. If we were not, it is a lost moment for us. Do what you need to do now and don’t concern yourself with what was or what may be. What we do now, is the only impetus for what comes in the next moment, and the next, and so on. Selflessly do what needs to be done and the future will be what it is… if it is. There will always be bad, envious, people because the universe is all about balance. Be better than they are and learn to be happy always.

What do you think of this quote "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed"?

It leaves open the question of no reaction. There must be a reaction if both are transformed, so it isn’t necessarily “like the contact of two chemical substances” unless they are reactive to each other.

Is 100 percent perfection or excellence?

Excellence. Nothing is perfect except God, and, for some, the jury is still out on that.

“We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started.”

-- Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887), clergyman, social reformer

Do you normally win in most situations?

It depends on your definition of “win” I suppose. I always feel I’ve won in almost all situations. Failure is not a loss if you look upon it as an opportunity to learn. If I compete against another person it isn’t a loss if I choose to celebrate their win and am happy for their effort instead of wallowing in self-pity Better we should be happy always and not be too concerned about the ramifications of winning or losing.

What is the most underhanded thing someone has done when you were doing them a favor?

They wouldn’t dare.

What is that one picture that describes the unforgettable moment in your life?

Recently I did a photoshoot in a haunted house. I informed the paranormal entity that I was only going to take two more photos, so if she wanted me to return she would have to get in front of my lens and make her presence known. The first 23 photos were clear and sharp. I have been into photography my entire life, and I can’t duplicate either of the last two photos I took that day. The best of the two is here:

“I don't suppose you have to believe in ghosts to know that we are all haunted, all of us, by things we can see and feel and guess at, and many more things that we can't.”

-- Beth Gutcheon, author

What is the difference between intuition and an educated guess?

Intuition, unlike an educated guess, doesn’t require conscious reasoning. An educated guess requires reasoning through what you may have learned by past experience.

Are some dreams too big?

It depends on who's dreaming. The bigger the dream the more work must go into making it a reality. 

Is someone better than a worthy opponent?

A worthy friend. In all my competition through life, win or lose, a good and loyal friend by my side has been invaluable and so much more appreciated.

To possess dignity is to be worthy of respect. Worthy of high esteem. Absorb this: you are worthy of respect.

-- Beth Moore, evangelist, author, teacher

Can you tell me about myself based on my past questions?

Not necessarily. You are not the same now as when you asked the questions. Every moment, we develop, grow, and change. If the answers to your questions had true meaning for you, then the only conclusion I could give is that you are a seeker.

What is one thing that inspires you to live when being depressed?

Consider the alternative, death, and then embrace the fact that you are alive to consider the alternative. Death from this realm is either permanent or you will be reborn into this realm and relive your life until you wrap your mind around the poor choices and decisions you make that cause you depression.

Better you should get rid of all the drama in your life, the bad debts, relationships, jobs, and such, and just learn to be happy always.

Author's comment:  I always used to be scared about the prospect of dying at a young age, and as I grew up, I got scared of living. I listen to music, even sad music when I feel sad because it helps me get my emotion out. I also write in a diary as it helps me vent out any unwanted emotions. As I have grown up, I realized that it's about what you give to the world. From then on, I made a resolution to do something amazing when I grow up because, at the end of the day, I like to think that we are all put on earth for a reason, so we might as well do something with the gift we were given; life.

My response:  You are on the right path.  Wake up every morning and thank God for the gift of another glorious day in paradise and another chance to excel in this life. Also, understand the failure is simply a chance to learn from a mistake. Revel in the chance to learn because, without it, we might repeat the mistake. What we learn from it may help us to avoid it next time or, at least, mitigate the effect on our lives and those around us. 

Do you think it is the wisest option to only compare ourselves to who we were yesterday?

I would be more concerned about who I am today than comparing myself to who I was before. Always act in an ethical manner, and always strive to be happy always. In doing this, who you were yesterday will always be who you are today and, if there is a tomorrow, this you will be there as well. Comparison is competition. Try to never compete with yourself. 

“Comparison is the death of joy.”

-- Mark Twain (1835-1910), writer, humorist

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as a chaplain at the regional medical center.